Sorry it's been so long since I've update. This one is in honor of Maura's birthday today!
I do not own Rizzoli and Isles or its characters.
Maura Rizzoli woke to the sound of a soft cry coming from the baby monitor on her nightstand. Groaning, she started to sit up, her mind still in a fog as consciousness returned to her. As she lifted her arms to stretch, she felt a hand on her thigh, refraining her from slipping her legs out of bed.
"I've got her, babe. It's your birthday, go back to sleep," Jane grumbled.
She slowly lifted herself out of bed, feeling the effects of a long work week and meeting the demands of a four-month-old. Jane knew, despite her request, that Maura would not allow her exhaustion to claim her, as she liked to be awake when their daughter was. While Sophia was often easy to put to sleep, she was an early riser, and the clock showed that today was another 5 a.m. wake up call. She sighed, wishing they had all gotten a better night's rest, as she made her way down the hall, pushing the door of the nursery open.
She and Maura had debated endlessly over the decor for the room during Maura's pregnancy. Jane had, of course, insisted on a Red Sox theme, while Maura had droned on and on about the calming effects of a living space and its impact on development. Eventually, they compromised on a room they could both live with: a nautical theme, drawing on Sophia's Boston heritage, the blue tones satisfying Maura's desire for a soothing environment. It had turned out well, little anchors and fish decals covering the walls.
A cry from the wooden crib in the corner drew Jane from her musings, the corners of her mouth twitching upwards as she reached in to pick up her distressed daughter.
Jane rubbed a hand up and down Sophia's back, bouncing her softly in the way she knew would calm her.
"Shhh, baby, it's alright, mama's here."
Sophia's cries did not subside, as Jane knew they wouldn't.
"Alright, alright, kid. I know. Breakfast time. I hear ya."
She cradled the little girl's head as they descended down the stairs, arriving in the kitchen where Jane began to warm up a bottle. Sophia was still crying softly, desperate for sustenance.
"It's almost done, baby, I promise."
Jane pushed Sophia's messy golden hair out of her face, running a finger over her tiny nose- Maura's nose. She smiled at her daughter softly, grabbing the bottle out of the microwave and holding it to eager lips. Jane laughed at Sophia's fervor.
"God, you were hungry, huh? It's mommy's birthday, what do you think she wants for breakfast?"
The baby grunted softly through her bottle, and Jane laughed.
"I know that bottle's probably pretty tasty, Soph, but I was thinking more along the lines of eggs and toast. Heaven forbid she should eat something with sugar, pancakes sound amazing right now."
When Sophia had finished her bottle and Jane had coerced a burp from the baby, she was placed in her swing, her little fingers focused on a new, developmental toy Maura had purchased. Jane let Jo Friday out in the backyard, her morning routine continuing as she cooked breakfast for her and Maura. As she prepared their omelets and toast, she sang to Sophia, something her little girl always responded to with a happy smile.
"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine…" It was Sophia's favorite song, one Angela used to sing to Jane. Maura had attempted to join in the serenade once at bedtime, but had been to an abrupt halt by Jane's laughter at her utter inability to hold a tune.
"It's endearing, Maur, it really is, but I think Sophia needs something relaxing to put her to sleep, not something that sounds like a dying cat."
Maura had huffed and pouted, and it became a running joke in the Rizzoli household.
When the food was finished and on a serving tray, Jane turned to Sophia, picking her up once again.
"Let's go see mommy."
Maura was, as she had predicted, awake, reading yet another book on child development. When she heard the door open, she set down the book, smiling at the sight of Jane, looking disheveled and joyful, and her daughter, now babbling contentedly.
"Happy birthday, Maur!" Jane said, kissing her wife lightly and setting the tray down on her lap.
"Oh, you two spoil me," Maura said with a grin. Reaching out a hand, she smoothed the thick hair on Sophia's head.
"And how's my baby today?" she asked, tickling her daughter's stomach lightly, eliciting a giggle. In the past few weeks, Sophia's personality had definitely begun to show-she possessed the stubbornness of both her mothers, Maura's thirst for inquiry, and Jane's carefree nature. Most importantly, she was happy.
The baby sprawled out between them, they ate, their conversation light. Maura mused (and whined) over the implications of turning 39, and Jane voiced her dread over dinner that night, where Angela would most certainly dote over Maura even more than usual.
Suddenly remembering her plans, Jane turned to face Maura.
"Okay, do you want your present now or later at dinner?"
Maura laughed softly. "Jane, you didn't have to get me anything."
Jane's eyebrows raised and she hopped off the bed.
"Course I did, Maur! You'll like it, I promise."
"I have no doubts, but it was still unnecessary. I already have everything I need," she replied, casting a loving gaze to Sophia, who was now in her arms.
Jane smiled before leaving, returning shortly with a small, blue box in her hand. Eagerly, she thrust it toward Maura, who received it with a grin.
"Tiffany's? I didn't think you'd ever step foot in there again, Jane," Maura chuckled, remembering the tale of Jane's adventure to pick out an engagement ring, one that had almost ended in tears from the normally tough detective.
Jane shrugged. "Only the best for you. Open it!"
Maura lifted the top off the box, reaching in to find a small, silver charm bracelet containing three charms. She lifted it closer to her eyes, reading the inscriptions aloud.
"Jane Clementine…Maura Dorthea…Sophia Grace. Oh, Jane," she sighed happily.
"So…you like it?" Jane asked before Maura pressed her lips to her wife's softly.
"I love it. Thank you." She kissed her again.
"Thank you for our family," Jane whispered quietly.
Thanks for reading!